RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of the California State University
(CSU) reaffirm its commitment to the principles of free speech rights, including the right
to publish free of external constraints, as expressed in AS 2649-04/FA (attached); and be
it further

RESOLVED: That as an application of these principles, the Academic Senate,
CSU strongly urge passage of AB 2581, which would prohibit disciplinary sanctions by the
CSU and other California public institutions of higher education against students on the
basis of student speech or press activities that are protected by the California Constitution
and the First Amendment of the United States Constitution; and be it further

RESOLVED: That this resolution be communicated to Assembly Members Yee
and Nation, the Assembly Higher Education Committee, the Senate Education Committee, and
any other members of the legislature that FGA may deem appropriate.

RATIONALE: Under existing law the CSU, the University
of California (UC), and California's community colleges are prohibited from disciplining
students for engaging in speech-related activities outside the campus, as protected by the
California Constitution or the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. AB 2581
(Yee and Nation) reaffirms these free speech rights and additionally extends these provisions
to the student press. Additional background can be found in the April 24, 2006 letter of
support for AB 2581 released by the California Newspaper Publishers Association (Attached).

The Academic Senate CSU in the past has affirmed its commitment to the principles of
academic freedom, including freedom of speech and freedom to publish, particularly as they apply
to faculty (AS 2649-04/FA). Recognizing that student freedom of expression is an essential
component of higher education, the Academic Senate, CSU expresses its support for AB 2581.